Scotland GP Returner Programme - Application and Next Steps
If you’re a General Practitioner looking to return to General Practice in Scotland, the Scotland Deanery has developed a fast and funded pathway back to frontline GP work.
Explore information on your application and next steps.
If you have any questions about the information on this page, please contact us at nes.cws@nhs.scot.
Application
Firstly, you should initiate contact with the NHS Education for Scotland Specialist GP Advisor for your area from the GP Returners Contact List. Our specialist GP Advisor will talk with you in the first instance to assess if you can be referred immediately onwards to apply to join your preferred Health Board Performers’ List. Depending on your experience and circumstances, you might be able to immediately join their performers list – at the discretion of the Health Board Medical Director.
Otherwise, the NES GP Advisor will undertake a structured review of your clinical experience to date and look at your learning needs. This structured interview forms an educational assessment. If it is concluded that you are eligible and would benefit from the GP Returner programme, the GP Advisor will attempt to identify a suitable placement for up to 6 months (Whole Time Equivalent), in an approved GP training practice. During a placements, there is a requirement to complete formative assessments including Case Based Discussions (CBDs) and Clinical Observation Tools (COTs).
At the end of the programme, the supervisor will make a recommendation to the Medical Director of the Health Board in relation to suitability for independent practice.
What happens next?
There is no entry test however the NES Advisor will want to meet you in order to ascertain that the GP Returner Programme is appropriate and, through an educational needs assessment, agree the recommended duration of the programme.
- In order to undertake the programme, you will need to be included on the Performers List “in training for a fixed period” for the duration of your programme.
- Your start date on the programme will be dependent upon the availability of funding and an appropriate GP Practice placement.
1 year free membership of RCGP for GPs doing the Returner Programme
GPs who qualified in the UK via the MRCGP exam route or have ever been a member of the RCGP via another route, who are on the Scotland GP Returner Programme, will be entitled to one year Full Membership for free.
This includes all the benefits of full membership except the hard copy of BJGP, which will be available electronically. All you need is proof of registration on the Scotland GP Returner Programme.
Visit the RCGP website to explore opportunities and progression
Next Steps
Firstly you need to apply to join the relevant Health Board Performers’ List
Check you have read through The Scotland GP Returner Programme
Check you have read through the FAQ page
Explore Scotland's General Practice (GP) Workforce Centre
